When I was in the first grade of junior high school, I played a dark fantasy game.



　This was before Tsukasa Misaki had encountered [Tactics Chronicle].

　It was a dungeon-crawling game titled [Deep Walker].

　


　Unfortunately, however, it was not so popular among the general public.

　This is partly because the field of dark fantasy is not popular with the general public, but also because the blood splatter and corpses were too realistic for the general public to be able to appreciate. At the very least, it is certain that it was not intended for families.



　The difficulty level of the game also added to the appeal of the game to the core audience.

　In the dungeon where the protagonist challenges, there are many deadly traps such as a pitfall, a huge stone rolling, a suspended ceiling with many stakes planted, poisoned arrows flying around the narrow room, and a pendulum scythe that makes a wind-swishing sound.

　The exquisite and disgusting arrangement of these traps makes you feel as if you can hear the voice of the creators saying, "Die now, die soon, die right there.



　Moreover, the monsters are strong, and I was killed four times by a small fry character in the first five minutes of the game.

　Even though I started the game on an easy difficulty (easy mode).

　After being killed many times, I thought I had finally defeated the first mook character by sharpening my nerves, but as soon as I entered the next room, I was run over and killed by a trap of dropping a huge rock.



　While digging up such memories of the past, Helian thinks.

　The protagonist, who is the alter ego of the player, must have found the dungeon to be quite unreasonable.



　--And then...

　And his men, who are trying to break through such traps by force, must seem even more unreasonable than that.



"Be careful. There are tiles in this hall that will set off traps if you step on them, and the suspended ceiling will fall down if you don't walk in a certain way. The floor you can step on changes every time a trap is triggered, so you have to check it carefully every time you step on it. I'm sorry, but I need a little time. ......"

"Hmm. So we can build a support to keep the ceiling from falling down, right?"



　Ten levels.

　By earth magic invoked without chanting, stone pillars like large trees sprouted from the ground. Dozens of pillars were thrusted into the ceiling, and the group moved forward with ease in a room where they would never fall down.

　Biegel was stunned.



"......The door to this room can only be opened by pouring magic power into the treasure balls in each room. The treasures are scattered in twelve different places, but if they are scattered around, they risk being destroyed one by one. We all need to visit the twelve places together, even if it takes a long time. ......"

"Why don't you just break down the whole door instead of taking so long? No one's going to get hurt, right?"



　Fifteen levels.

　A club (mace) was struck against an iron door as high as a two-story house. With a single blow, the door is blown away, and the servant, a large man named Ghaldi, steps into the next room with ease.

　Biegel's mouth is gaping open.



"Oh no...... I can hear the roar of the thunder leopards. The next room is a monster pool! They're not the kind of monsters that would normally be in a place like this, but it seems that the labyrinth run amok has caused them to flow back to the shallower levels. We'll just have to lead them to the narrow passage in front of us and reduce their numbers one by one. ......"

"Then I'll burn it. The whole room. When it's all burned up, we'll ventilate it and go on."



　Twenty levels.

　The monster house, with its writhing monsters, has burned to the ground from the entrance. The room, which was not small by any means, was filled with fire in the blink of an eye, and in about 30 seconds, the demons of the monsters ceased to exist.

　Biegel finally fell silent.



"--Well, this dungeon is full of traps and tricks. It's just too much trouble."



　And so to the twenty-fifth level.

　In a small room with no traps and no magical beasts, we all decide to have a good rest. Gardi, who didn't seem to be tired at all, blurted out something about the situation.



　Biegel looks at Gardi and the others with eyes like dead fish. It's understandable, Helian thinks. They were marching in a forceful manner that bore no resemblance to a straight attack. Even though it was the result of prioritizing safety, the scene that unfolded in front of their eyes was probably too different in many ways from the labyrinth attack that Biegel knew.



　Even the traps and devices are different, but the battles are even worse. Although they are fully humanized and have lost the sense of smell and hearing peculiar to their race, the five senses of the legionnaires, who are warriors of many battles, are keenly attuned. The demonic beasts that blocked their way were caught even before they appeared, and the start of the battle (encounter) and the end of the battle (turn end) were almost simultaneous. It was a work in progress.



"Well, it'll just have to wait a little longer. There are only five levels left until we reach our goal of 30 levels. I'd like to be back on the ground by evening if at all possible.

I guess so. I'd rather eat at the inn anyway. The food we brought in may not taste good, but it's not big enough.

"...... let's see. Normally it would take more than a full day to get to the 30th level and back."



　Zion, the target of the escort, made a discreet remark.

　She had dived into this labyrinth a few years ago to carry on a ritual.

　At that time, she and her escort group, consisting of the elite of the Boundary Knights who were currently in the fortress, had set out for the 30th level, but it had taken them two whole days, partly because the young Zion was not strong enough.



　This time, however, not even half a day had passed since our search, and we were already at the twenty-fifth level.

　The record for the shortest search of 30 levels by a party of first-rate labyrinth explorers (searchers) is supposed to be a little over seven hours, and we are closing in on that record.



"I'm proud of ...... my squire..."



　Helian replies with a cup of tea that Lieve has brewed for him.

　This time it's milk tea. The tea leaves and milk from the royal brewery provide a pleasant taste, even in the gruesome labyrinth. In the absence of Lilliput, this is the only time I can relax. I savor the tea, thinking that this is the real royal milk tea, like a fool.



"I knew it was pretty good after the Dungeon Stampede the other day, but I didn't think it was this messed up. ....... I never thought of doing it in the first place, even before I could do it that way.

"I've heard that abyssal seekers and other renowned adventurers can do much better than this."

"Well, some of them might be able to do it, but that's a strange comparison. I've never seen a surgeon like your sister.



　Biegel looks at Celes, who is sipping lemon tea feverishly.



"This is the first time I've seen unarmed magic in the flesh.　I hear that no chanting puts a strain on the catalyst."

"...... Nothing wrong with that. I got it from the foresters, and it seems to be a good match. I have plenty of magic left. Don't worry about it.



　Celes shows the bracelet she wears as a disguise.

　Like the sorcerers of this world, it is merely a decoration to make it look like she has activated her magic using a catalyst, but it is embedded with a highly pure red magic stone.



"The bracelet. Could it be that it is made of material from the Abyssal Forest?"

"You're right. It seems that the forest people processed the materials brought back by the Abyss Seekers. I think it's called ......, or maybe it's called "latestock" or something like that. It was made by a craftsman from there.

"LATESTWOOD ......?　Of course, a Seeker would stop by, but were there craftsmen in that country who could make such a fine piece of art?"

"I don't know. But I heard that some drifters have settled here recently. He's some kind of a strange Dwarf or Korobokkur... and he made this equipment. I don't know the details because I haven't met him and I got it by accident."




"Ho ...... No, but I'm convinced. If he's using materials from the Abyssal Forest, it's no wonder he can do such great magic. Hey, is your mace and axe the same?"

"An?　............ Oh, yeah, yeah. Yes, yes. My chief bought it from him. It's pretty sturdy, so it's pretty handy.



　Celes stared at him, and Ghardi gave his answer as if he had just remembered it.



　Biegel nodded his head as if he understood the explanation given by the two.

　He interpreted that a large part of the reason for their extraordinary skill in magic and their outstanding attack power was due to their superior equipment.



　The materials from the Abyssal Forest are rare. And the best weapons and armor on this continent are often made of materials from the Abyssal Forest 《abyss》. If they are using such materials, it is understandable that they have shown their abilities so clearly. That is the logic.



　--Of course, the reality is different.

　The equipment they are using is a drop in the bucket of general equipment that has been adopted by Alkimaira's military. It is the kind of equipment used for training purposes. The outbursts of violence that they have just displayed are only the result of their own abilities.



　However, it is convenient if Biegel is convinced by that logic. At the same time, it is what we wanted. The setup I had made in advance worked.

　Helian's followers are a group that boasts of their abilities equivalent to those of high-ranking adventurers, and that's all they are. They are not monsters that pose a threat to this world. As long as they are recognized as such by those around them, there is no problem.



"Shall we get going?



　Theon releases a voice.

　We have only been resting for about fifteen minutes, but if Zion, the main person of the group and the target of our escort, says so, there is no denying it. It is true that he has been working out to a certain extent, and his legs and feet are firm as he stands up.



　Helian stands up as well, thinking that he may be the weakest. He feels a little tired, but fortunately his body is sound. Helian motions to his followers and continues on to the next level.









　　　　+ + + +









　The rest of the journey was also uneventful and uneventful.



　The number of traps has decreased, but the number of monsters has rather increased. Even though the monsters came back from the deeper levels, the tendency that the deeper you go, the stronger the monsters become is still the same.



　However, it is not enough to bother the Gardeis. With each swing of the great axe, the Ugal turned to a lump of meat, and the pack of Gikuru turned to ashes as the brown arms wove their magic. Close encounters and annihilation occurred almost simultaneously. It is truly a great advance.



"Even though it's only 30 levels, I've never had such an easy time exploring a labyrinth. Hey, lady, do we get our full reward?　We haven't done much since the traps ran low.

"Please don't worry. My father lies ...... a lot of boring lies, but he would never tell a lie about a contract. You will be paid for your services.

"I'd like to say thank you very much, but wouldn't that be a little awkward, Leader?　It's almost like we're parasites, now."

"...... if you're thinking it, don't say it."



　It's not a safe zone, but there's even room for such conversation.

　It seems that Biegel and his friends are more serious than they appear. They may consider themselves lucky to be able to earn a lot of money for fun, but they seem to be reluctant to take the reward at face value.



　...... No, it's because it's a lot of money.



　They accepted this job knowing the risk of the amount of money. There must have been a certain level of preparedness - a preparedness to mourn for their lives in case of emergency.



　However, when I opened the door, I found that the route and the speed of the march were easier than ever before. It is a job that does not require any commitment for the amount of money it costs. Perhaps their pride as adventurers would not allow them to easily win such a large sum of money in such a situation.



(It must be, it must be, it might be... ....... It's all in your imagination, isn't it?)



　Shake your head and drive away the useless thoughts.

　I have led an ordinary life with no particular hardships. I can't get an accurate answer by imagining what it must be like for a man who has earned his living through a job full of danger.



　He looks at his hands, protected by his followers. They are unblemished, untroubled palms. They are not like the hands of knights and beigels, with their sword calluses and deep wrinkles. Feeling a little embarrassed, Hélian hides his palms by clasping them together.



"Here. I'm ready to go!



　Gardi swings his great axe in a carefree tone.

　The rock golem, skewered by a pile of earth that Celes had manifested, was cut in half by an extra-thick blade that came flying in from the side. The upper half of his body is blown backward at a furious pace, and the remaining lower half of his body crumbles when it hits the wall and shatters.



　The number of levels has already reached 30.

　The last enemy is this rock golem, which stands in front of a door that leads to a ceremonial altar, separate from the gates leading to the next level.



......It has been a long time since I saw this door.



　Zion stands in front of the tightly closed door, with the rock golem reduced to a wreck.

　From his pocket he pulls out a dagger with a crystal blade. The handle is also finely decorated, indicating that the use of the dagger is limited to ceremonies rather than combat.



　Zion ran the blade across his right palm, and a small stream of fresh blood dripped down the crystal blade. He then inserted the dagger, which was soaked in a light vermilion, into the keyhole of the door.

　The door that accepted the blade sent out a rippling light, and the rightful visitor was welcomed by the door, which was divided into two halves. Sion, flanked by the knights, steps forward, followed by Helian and Biegel.



"Oh ...... this is awesome!"



　Biegel, who had gone through the door, looked around the interior and let out an exclamation of admiration.

　The hall was filled with pure light.

　It was not dazzling at all, but faint like a firefly.

　In the center of the hall, there is an altar five steps higher than the stairs.

　Helian wonders if it is more of a stage than an altar.



　Once everyone had entered the room, the door began to close without anyone touching it.

　The idea of being locked in briefly crossed my mind, but it must have been a planned event, since Zion and the knights were unperturbed.

　After the door closes with a final sound, the knights stand guard in front of the closed door. It is a position to prevent any intruder from outside, just in case.



"......We will now begin the "tuning"."



　Theon, who had dampened his hair with fresh water, announced, "This may be a preparation for the 'tuning' ceremony.

　Carrying a long-handled cane, which seemed to be a ritual tool, Zion stepped up to the stage with a leisurely gait, taking only five steps at a time.

　Everyone watching the scene is silent.

　While everyone is enveloped in silence, Zion begins his "tuning" at the end of the many gazes.



　It begins with a tone similar to a bell.




　With a wave of his long-handled staff, a cool, clear sound filled the hall.

　However, as if interrupting the sound, a ringing sound came from the edge of the stage.

　Theon, trying to suppress his trembling, spun around and stepped on the stage.



　The dance was a repetition.

　A hand waving a cane made a series of chimes, occasionally interrupted by a sardonic clang.

　The dancing feet moved as if to follow the trembling, and eventually the number of rings decreased.

　On the stage, everyone chose to immerse themselves in the serenity of the torchlight reflected in Zion's wet black hair.



　Less than ten minutes later, the ringing had almost disappeared.

　Theon, who at first had moved from one end of the stage to the other, now danced in the center of the stage and did not move. After about three minutes of this, when only the sound of the bell echoed, Zion, now convinced, closed the dance in the center of the stage.



　A gasp of admiration rose up from everyone.

　Probably it was Biegel and the others, or one of the knights, but it was a convincing act that caused them to let out a voice of admiration.



"--"Tuning" succeeded. The magical elements in the labyrinth have been completely stabilized.



　The knights showed their relief at Zion's satisfied words.

　The most important task was now complete.

　There is still the way back, but it will not be more difficult than the way to the destination.

　For now, the biggest obstacle has been overcome.



　On the stage, Zion looked like a man of his age when he had done all he could do.

　Sweat beads on his forehead, he calmly tries to go down the stairs.

　However, he must have exhausted his stamina more than usual after dancing for more than fifteen minutes, because he caught his toe on a slight step when he tried to get down from the stage. He fell forward and lost his position.



"...... Oh!"



　As Zion's expression changed to a "Oh no!" look, Helian, who was nearby, reached out his hand.

　Although there were steps, it was only five steps. Even if he fell, it would not be serious. However, perhaps because he had just finished an important "tuning" session and had been distracted, Zion became more impatient than he should have been because of the unexpected event.



　His right hand scratches the sky as if asking for help in a conditioned reflex movement until he stumbles and falls down.

　The toe of his right hand brushed against Hellian's cheek as he supported and received Zion's body.

　The fingernail of the carefully polished fingertip slightly, slightly scratches the skin of Hellian.

　The blood oozing from the wound sticks to Zion's palm, whose right hand had been stained vermilion by the blade.



　--If there is such a thing as a divine trick, this was it.



　If there is such a thing as a divine trick, this is exactly what it was.



"----What?"



　I wonder which one of them was the one who muttered in a daze.

　Helian, supporting Zion, who was about to fall down.

　At the feet of both of them, a red magic circle suddenly sparkles.

　A shimmering space is created around the two men enveloped in the light.



"What?　No way!"

General!



　Celes and Gardi rush to the scene as quickly as they can, but they are out of reach.

　Helian made a quick decision and pushed Zion aside.

　Then Levee, who was closest to Hélian, desperately reaches out her arm, and her fingertips touch the hem of Hélian's dress.



　The next moment. The blinding light reaches a critical point, enveloping the bodies of Helian and Lieve, and disappears like a phantom.









　　　　+ + +









　--First came the dizziness.

　Next came the shock.

　It felt as if he had fallen to the ground from a great height, but at the same time he felt a softness like a cushion.



　He wondered what it was, and when he put his hand on it, he felt an even softer sensation in his palm.

　With a confused head, he looked down and saw a woman's body.



"Helian!　Are you all right?



　A voice came from below, asking if they were safe.

　Helian froze for a moment and thought.

　Then, as soon as her brain rebooted and she understood the situation, she hurriedly jumped away from the top of the levee.



"I'm sorry, I'm sorry... oh no, I'm fine. I'm fine.



　He just barely held back the urge to bow his head and first of all told them that he was uninjured.

　Riebe, who had immediately gotten up, looked at Hellián's whole body without caution, and then, perhaps acknowledging that he was not injured, he gave a nod with a slight exhale.



"Was that a ...... transfer trap?"

"It appears so. I can't find our location. We are completely separated from Ceres and Gardi."



　Helian raises his eyebrows, "I didn't mean to be so careless, but I didn't expect a transfer trap here. [In Tactics Chronicle, there are two general types of transfer traps: conditional traps and mine traps. The former targets those who meet the conditions within a certain area, while the latter is triggered by those who come in contact with a specified point.



　Considering the fact that Ceres's exploration technique was not triggered, it is likely that the former conditional type was activated in this case. Known conditions that can be considered are contact with other units, time spent in the unit, or damage to the unit, given the situation at .......

　However, I would like to ask you not to judge the last one, the damage. I don't want to think that damage is caused just by being hit by a girl smaller than myself. How vulnerable is that?






"Tactical Window: Open. Select: map."



　A